Mathematical Formulation of the Maximum Em-Power Principle

After having briefly recalled the main results shown in the previous Conference (a rigorous definition of Emergy in mathematical terms and a general formulation of the Emergy Balance equation) the paper presents an extremely general mathematical formulation of the Maximum Em-Power Principle. Such a formulation allows us to analyze in particular (but not exclusively): i) in what sense the “maximum” flow has to be understood, not only in steady state conditions but also in stationary and variable conditions; ii) what reciprocal role Transformity and Exergy play in maximizing such a flow; iii) in what sense such an extremely General Principle can be interpreted (but only reductively) as a traditional Thermodynamic Principle. The last aspect enables us to point out the different and wider presuppositions of the M. Em-P. Principle (as a more general “Thermodynamic” Principle) in comparison with the other Thermodynamic Principles (especially the First and the Second ones) and furnishes a clear answer to the (apparently) contradictory assertions between the Maximum Em-Power Principle and the Minimum Action Principle. In addition, such a mathematical formulation throws new light on the thermodynamic concepts of order and disorder, and paves the way to a better understanding of the so-called Fifth Principle.